DENVER, Colo. (AP) — If Mitt Romney stumbles during Wednesday's presidential debate, it won't be for a lack of preparation.

The Republican presidential nominee has spent at least eight days over the past month getting ready for the three debates against President Barack Obama.

The reason is clear: The stakes are enormous given that Romney trails the president in national polls and surveys in key states. The debates are one of his final opportunities to shift the dynamics of the race.

As Romney has prepared for the first matchup, one question has loomed over the others among both advisers and observers: Will he provoke Obama or will Obama provoke him?